7 Things to Do if You're Home for Spring Break

courtesy of newsletter.schoolbox.com

It’s about halfway through the semester and finally, spring break is here to save your stress levels. But in the last few days of school before your week off, everyone’s been asking…”So what are you doing over break?” And unless you’ve had the opportunity to plan a fun trip to Florida or Panama or wherever people go for spring break vacations, you probably mumbled something in response about going home and watching TV. While it’s always great to see the family, you can’t help but wonder how all of the kids in college movies had enough money and time to rent a beach house for a week of tanning and partying.

Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your spring break. It’s a chance to catch up on things you’ve been struggling to keep up with and an opportunity for things you’ve been wanting to do but that have been a low priority. And so, here are 7 things to do with your life if you’re going home for spring break:

1. Actually Do Something With Your Family. When you’re away at college, you sometimes miss out on the regular things that you used to do with your family. Spring break is a good chance to do something with your family other than the usual quick phone calls and visits. Go out to dinner, see a movie, or watch your sister’s soccer game. If you have younger siblings, reassert your position as Super Cool Older Brother/Sister by taking them to do something fun.

2. Plan For the Weeks Ahead. Many college students feel swamped in the days before spring break due to midterms, papers, and piles on piles of homework. More than likely, students also have assignments and tests schedules for the week after break as well. Your week off allows you to tackle a bit of schoolwork and studying without the stress of a morning class or a midnight deadline. If you get started on your checklist over break, you’ll also be less stressed out when you come back to school. You’ll be able to relax more than your buddies that decided to do absolutely zero schoolwork over spring break.

3. St. Patty’s Day! If St. Patrick’s Day is over your spring break, and you still want to party even though you missed your chance to go to the beach, use the holiday as a way to see your friends and have a good time. You can see your friends from home again and celebrate your temporary freedom from professors, MLA format, and diner food.

4. Volunteer. Although volunteering locally may not be at the top of your to-do list over spring break, it will most likely end up being a rewarding experience. Everyone wants to help the hungry and give coats to children during the month of December when giving is in the air and the holiday spirit is abundant, but what about when the coldest winter months are over? People’s charitable service is needed everyday of the year and you can find an organization that sparks your interests (whether it be at an animal shelter, a children’s hospital, or a blood drive).

5. Start Looking for a Summer Job. Some college students may already know how hard it can be to get a summer job. It isn’t uncommon for employers to only want to hire students that can work year-round and not just during the summer. Starting the application process early however, can better your chances. Start asking for applications at local businesses or research internships in your area. That way you can give your information and follow-up before the rush starts right before summer.

6. Go Somewhere. More likely than not, there’s a restaurant or park or event near your home that you’ve always wanted to try, but never actually gotten around to. Spring break is the perfect opportunity. Grab a friend or two and take a mini-road trip to wherever you want. Even if it doesn’t end up becoming your new favorite place to visit, at least you’ll get a funny story or a nice memory out of going.

7. Chill. When do college students get to just chill? When is the last time you’ve gotten to relax without worrying about something in the back of your mind or planning what you still have to do the next day? Use spring break to find some peace and quiet. Take naps, read a favorite book, try yoga, or just light a fragrant candle. Whatever you do, actually use spring break as a break…you’ll need it to get you through the rest of the semester.